When President William Ruto officially launched Operation Maliza Uhalifu in February 2023, deploying a multi-agency force comprising the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service to quell the decades-old menace of cattle rustling and banditry in Baringo County, few anticipated the full extent of its transformative impact.
The annual Rhino Charge event, however, offered a striking symbol of that change. For the first time, motorsport enthusiasts, local communities, and spectators converged in Baringo North’s Saimo Soi Ward, a region once synonymous with insecurity, for a vibrant celebration of motorsport.
“One of the main principles of the Rhino Charge, which makes it a very unique event compared to many others, is that we try to combine three key elements: sport, fun, and a cause. You can feel the very positive ambiance all around. ” said Christian Lambrechts, Rhino Ark Executive Director.
For residents of Saimo Soi like 78-year-old Mzee Chemirmir Chemitei, the unique terrain, with the backdrop of the Tugen Hills, previously a hotspot for violent bandit attacks that displaced residents and disrupted livelihoods, instead came alive with the roar of engines, cheers from onlookers, and a renewed sense of safety.
What was once the dance floor of fear has become a motorsport wild track of hope. “We want the Rhino Charge Kind of peace. This place was cold, not the cold from the weather, but the cold you get from blood-curdling fear. Your hair would stand with goosebumps. But now, we are happy for the warmth of peace brought by this never-seen-before car competition. It is interesting to see them make out of this world maneuvers with their ginormoustyres,” he said.
According to Mzee Chemirmir, the successful hosting of the Rhino Charge in the volatile area reflects the renewed confidence among communities and a growing sense of normalcy, thanks to the ongoing success of Operation Maliza Uhalifu.
“This should not be the last time they come here. We have not only seen the economic potential of eco-tourism in this area, we have also tasted the benefits of such events. People who love sports came here, and honestly, we never imagined something like this could happen. It has opened our eyes,” he added.
Speaking during Charge Day, Baringo County Governor Benjamin Cheboi noted that Baringo has hosted the Rhino Charge seven times.
“I am sure you have not seen any bandits. It is a clear manifestation that this is not a bandit county. It is a county of great diversity and peacefulness. We have everything here. The choice of Baringo as the venue is deliberate, it gives 4×4 motorsport enthusiasts the opportunity to punish their four-wheel vehicles. These machines are built to conquer the most difficult terrains, and Baringo offers the perfect challenge with its countless hills and valleys that test their tenacity,” the governor said.
His sentiments were echoed by the Commander of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, Brigadier Joel Arimi. “Hosting a world-class event of this magnitude in an area previously referred to as a bandit zone is no ordinary accomplishment. It signifies the tangible progress we have made in close cooperation with the local communities,” he said.
While on a security tour of the region in May 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen called on political leaders and individuals fueling violence under the guise of banditry to choose development and progress instead.
“There are politicians who thrive on incitement. It does not matter whether you’re in government or the opposition, if your words endanger lives, the law will deal with you,” CS Murkomen warned.
The 36th edition of the environmental conservation fundraising motorsport event raised KSh 269.5 million in support of conservation efforts. An additional KSh 8.8 million was collected from entry donations and directed to the local community that hosted the event on their land.
The community will collectively decide on a development project of their choice to fund with the proceeds.
